Scientific/Botanical Name:
Genus: Schlumbergera
Specie:
Variety/Cultivar:
English Name:
Common Name:
Flor de Maio (May flower), Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus and Holiday Cactus
Botanical Family:
Name in Latin: Cactaceae
Name in English: The Cactus Family
The Plant
Origin: coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil
Growth Habit: Cacti .Most species of Schlumbergera have stems which resemble leaf-like pads joined one to the other
Flower: flowers which appear from areoles at the joints and tips of the stems-white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. Ubular flowers with abundant nectar, and colours towards the red end of the spectrum.
Blooming Period: November- February
Leaf: leafless, the green stems acting as photosynthetic organs, stems are composed of segments
Usage:
Ideal for hanging basket, used as December Holiday plant
Care and Handling
Soil: Never use ordinary potting compost or garden soil, there are general purpose cactus mixes available.
Amount of water: Drench the soil and let it become barely moist between waterings.
Nutrition: Feed every two weeks spring through fall with a lime free water soluble fertilizer. Do not fertilize newly potted plants for at least two months.
Special handling: Does best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the South/East/West
Special feature/remarks:
Keep cool in the winter. Requires good ventilation be careful not to over-water. Put a layer of small gravel at the bottom of the pot and also one inch on the top of the soil to prevent stem rot.